In this week’s Nameberry 9, Appellation Mountain‘s Abby Sandel talks about names with some personal significance that’s not necessarily obvious on the surface.

Sometimes the craziest name becomes instantly charming the second we learn the backstory. Meaning matters, and I’m always impressed when parents take the time to seek out names rich with personal significance.

Passing down family names is great, but this idea takes it one step further. It’s a process of thinking about what’s important to your family. Favorite places, artists, experiences that signify something about the pregnancy. Think of ShilohNouvelJolie-Pitt’s middle name, inspired by architect JeanNouvel, or Zuma Rossdale, possibly a nod to a Malibu beach important to his dad.